The Legacy of Frankel

To stretch out, or not to stretch out--that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles.

Pardon me for butchering the eloquent words of The Bard, but even after another absolutely devastating performance today at Glorious Goodwood, in which Frankel effortlessly cantered away from the very good Farhh in the Group 1 Sussex Stakes, it seems the horse I, and so many others, call the best in the world has arrived at a bit of a crossroads in his racing career. Does this champion need to do more?

A quick scan of Frankel’s past performances illustrate his brilliance … 12 wins in 12 starts, all but one coming with almost unbelievable ease, and the last seven coming in Group 1 races, but it also shows an unwillingness of his connections to run in any race farther than a mile. This fact, and also the way he makes very good horses look simply mediocre; have left racing fans on this side of the Atlantic questioning his greatness. I have seen many comments like the following of late, and I would like the chance to respond.

“Who did he beat?”

Every horse that has dared to enter against him in many of the most important one mile races in England.

“Boring!”

If you are bored by seeing a race horse run like no one else can, I feel just a little sorry for you.

“Until he comes to America and beats our horses, we’ll never know how good he is.”

Really? Unfortunately, American turf horses cannot hold a candle to the best of Europe … especially this one.

“Until he runs in races farther than a mile, his career will be incomplete, and he will not go down as one of history’s all-time greats.”

Now this last one is the most interesting and perhaps the most valid. Frankel is so dominate at a mile and he gives every indication that he can go on, that many would say his connections have waited too long in testing Frankel against the best at the extended distance of 1 ¼ miles. Perhaps these are the same people who clamor for Usain Bolt to run in the Marathon, but you know what? I agree.

Frankel is simply too fantastic not to open up new challenges to him and afford him the opportunity to place his name at the top of even greater summits. Not that he isn’t already an all-time great, he unequivocally is, but it is time for him to show the world more. I have no doubt that he is up to the challenge. Bring on the Juddmonte International!

He will absolutely destroy the Juddmonte Field. Do you people not see for your own eyes how much he has changed in regards to how he runs. He went from a run and gun Miler to a Horse that has over every race this year rated, and exploded when asked. He will leave ST.Nicholas Abbey, and Camelot, and whoever else Ballydoyle want to enter. This is a class horse, and you find him boring, well go tell the Euro connections to enter their horses against him. The Best miler for sure, and he will show that he is the best 10 furlong horse also.

If there was ever a time to cash in some frequent flyer miles to the UK, August 20th might be the time to do it. I'd even battle the Olympic crowds with a smile on my face for what is going to come on August 22nd. It never gets boring to watch this horse. When he explodes at the 2f marker it gives me goosebumps

I see no problem with Frankel handling the Juddmonte, which has always been a goal (perhaps more of a goal of his owner, who is sponsor of the JI). His maturity as a 4 yr-old and ability to relax will help him get the 1 1/4, along with his pedigree and class. I am thrilled that Cecil is also considering the Championship, also at 1 1/4. Watching talent is never boring, be it at 1 mile or 1 1/4, be it a 100m or a marathon. Supreme talent is breathtaking. I saw it today.

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Brian has been a passionate fan of horse racing his entire life. Taken to the races at a very young age, he has been lucky enough to see all the greats in person from Secretariat, Forego, and Ruffian through Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, and American Pharoah. Before coming to the Nation, Brian displayed his love for the sport through the development of his horse racing website, which quickly became one of the most popular blogs in the game.

The Editor of Horse Racing Nation from 2010-2017, Brian authored a daily column as Zipse at the Track, or ZATT for short, and added his editorial flare to the overall content of the website. Now a Senior Writer for HRN, Brian continues to contribute his thoughts on racing, as well as co-hosting the popular racing show, HorseCenter. A big supporter of thoroughbred aftercare, he serves as the President of The Exceller Fund.

Brian's work has also been published on several leading industry sites. He has consulted for leading contest site Derby Wars, is both a Hall of Fame and NTRA poll voter, and is a Vox Populi committee member.

A horse owner and graduate of DePaul University, Brian lives just outside of Louisville with his wife Candice and daughter Kendra.